Velma Rorie Payne passed from this life to her heavenly home on Thursday, October 15, 2026.

Born on April 18, 1929, in Onia, Arkansas, Velma was the first child born to King and Merlie George Rorie. She came to the Lord at an early age and was a student of the Bible her entire life. Church and prayer were always priorities. She was a member of Cornerstone Baptist Church in Greenville before moving to Indywood Personal Care Home in 2017.

Always serving others, Velma was an extraordinary nurse. She worked for over 20 years at Gamble Brothers and Archer Clinic, then as a private-duty nurse until her retirement.

Velma was married to Charles Payne for 65 years. She balanced work and home for many years and was a wonderful self-taught cook and seamstress. The delight of her life was family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who lovingly called her Nana. Visits to her home were always special and memorable. She hosted family birthdays and Christmas Eve celebrations for many years. After a life of selflessness and unconditional love for others, it has been a blessing to care for her during these last years of her life. It meant so much to have her siblings visit from Oklahoma, Texas, and Arkansas for her birthday at Indywood every year she resided there.

Velma was preceded in death by her parents, King and Merlie Rorie; her husband, C. E. Payne; her brothers, Eunis Rorie, Carl Rorie, and Hershel Rorie; and her sisters, Loretta Rorie and Selma Rorie Woods. She is survived by her daughter, Charlotte Payne Hobbs (Eddie); her son, Mike Payne (Dianne); grandchildren, Tripp Hobbs (Robin), Rorie Payne Scroggins (Chad), and Dr. Emily Ingram Payne; and great-grandchildren, Reagan Hobbs, Payne Hobbs (Ansley), Max Scroggins, and Evie Scroggins. She is also survived by her sisters, Jean Rorie Davis and Donna Rorie Miller (Gene), and her brothers, Frank Rorie (Sharon) and Donald Rorie.

The family extends thanks and appreciation to every employee at Indywood for treating Velma with respect, compassion and love. Grace Hospice and Lean on Me provided caring support in the last months of her life.

A celebration of Velma’s life will be held at Burton Funeral Home in Indianola, MS, on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at 2:30 pm. Visitation will be one hour before the service. Burial will immediately follow the service at Stoneville Cemetery in Leland. Burton Funeral Home of Indianola has been entrusted with arrangements.

Memorials may be given to Samaritan’s Purse or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or to the donor’s choice.